Golden temple attack: Who is Narain Singh Chaura, alleged Babbar Khalsa member?

Former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped a gun attack on Wednesday morning near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The alleged assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, is suspected to have links with the banned pro-Khalistan outfit Babbar Khalsa International.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. as Badal, seated in a wheelchair, was serving his religious penance at the temple’s entrance. Chaura, reportedly armed with a concealed weapon, attempted to shoot Badal but was subdued by nearby individuals before causing any harm. The gunshot missed its target and struck a wall.

Who is Narain Singh Chaura?

Narain Singh Chaura, aged 68, hails from Chaura village in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, located approximately 60 kilometers from the Golden Temple. He is a known figure in security circles due to his association with Babbar Khalsa, a group advocating for Khalistan.

Chaura’s criminal record includes his alleged role in the 2004 Burail jailbreak in Chandigarh, where four inmates, including Babbar Khalsa leader Jagtar Singh Hawara, escaped through a 104-foot tunnel. Arrested in 2013 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Chaura was released on bail after five years.

PSukhbir Singh Badal was at the Golden Temple to fulfill a directive from the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs. This penance was imposed in connection with his party’s controversial support for Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim during the 2015 sacrilege incident involving the Guru Granth Sahib.

Visuals showed Badal wearing a plaque and holding a spear, seated at the temple’s entrance. As part of his punishment, he is required to perform services such as cleaning duties in kitchens and toilets across gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple.

The attack has raised serious security concerns, particularly given Chaura’s alleged connections to Khalistani groups. Authorities are investigating how the suspect managed to approach Badal with a weapon despite heightened vigilance in and around the Golden Temple.

The police have detained Chaura for interrogation, focusing on his motive and any potential accomplices. Meanwhile, Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of those present at the scene.